Electronic Device with Reversible Railed Attachment Connector System

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes a device housing. A monorail having a monorail body defining a first end and a second end separated from the first end along a major axis of the monorail body is mechanically coupled to a minor face of the device housing by a bridge member. A first electrical connector is positioned at the first end of the monorail body, while a second electrical connector positioned at the second end of the monorail body. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are of the same type. An attachment having a housing defining a monorail receiver with an aperture at a first end and a bounding wall at a second end includes an electrical connector situated within the monorail receiver at the bounding wall. The attachment can be coupled in two configurations to the monorail.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority andbenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/357,005,filed Mar. 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to electronic devices having connectors.

Background Art

Modern portable electronic communication devices pack powerful computingpower into very small packages. Illustrating by example, a modernsmartphone has more computing power than even the most powerful desktopcomputer of only a few years ago.

As the computing power in these devices has increased, so too has theirfeature set. While mobile phones used to be only for making voice calls,today they are used to monitor health and wellness records, transactwith social media, make financial transactions, maintain calendars, surfthe web, and more.

This increased functionality can create issues for designers of thesedevices. For instance, it can be challenging to optimally locatedisplays, loudspeakers, microphones, and other user interface componentsfor optimal performance in all conditions. It would be advantageous tohave an improved electronic device that could be reconfigured withdifferent features for different situations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of one explanatory system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates left side elevation view of one explanatory system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates right side elevation view of one explanatory systemin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of one explanatory system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one explanatoryelectronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one explanatoryelectronic device attachment in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates one or more method steps and system devices inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates one or more method steps and system devices inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates one or more method steps and system devices inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates various electronic device accessories in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates one explanatory electronic device in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates one explanatory electronic device attachment inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates one explanatory electronic device coupled to oneexplanatory electronic device attachment in a first configuration inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates one explanatory electronic device coupled to oneexplanatory electronic device attachment in a first configuration inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates one explanatory electronic device coupled to oneexplanatory electronic device attachment in a second configuration inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates another explanatory electronic device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates another explanatory system devices in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates another explanatory system in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions.

As used herein, components may be “operatively coupled” when informationcan be sent between such components, even though there may be one ormore intermediate or intervening components between, or along theconnection path. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10 percent,in another embodiment within 5 percent, in another embodiment within 1percent and in another embodiment within 0.5 percent. The term “coupled”as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarilydirectly and not necessarily mechanically.

Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicatecomponents shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. Forexample, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A wouldrefer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A. Further,it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possiblysignificant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example,available time, current technology, and economic considerations, whenguided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readilycapable of electronic devices, modular systems, and attachments inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure with minimalexperimentation.

Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that the increasedfunctionality of modern portable electronic devices can create issuesfor designers, in that it can be challenging to optimally locate userinterface components such as displays, loudspeakers, microphones, andimagers. Illustrating by example, people generally desire large,expansive displays defining a major face of an electronic device. Thisdesire creates issues, as it leaves little room for other componentssuch as loudspeakers, microphones, and other input and output componentson the same side of the device. Additionally, people sometimes want tocarry only a small device with basic functionality. At other times theyprefer to use a larger, full-featured device.

Placement of accessory devices, such as loudspeakers and microphones, onthe rear side of a device can sometimes be problematic. This could betrue, for example, when a thin, flat, electronic device has aloudspeaker on its rear surface and is lying flat on a table. Output ofthat loudspeaker may be sub-optimal due to the acoustic interferenceoccurring between the device housing and the table. However, at othertimes it may be desirable to have a loudspeaker on the rear side of thedevice. If a person is capturing video with a rear-facing camera of aperson dancing, for instance, it may be not only desirable, but alsoactually preferable to have the loudspeaker on the rear surface of theelectronic device so the person dancing can hear the music.

Embodiments of the disclosure advantageously provide a solution to thisissue by providing a system that includes an electronic device having amonorail mechanical connector with electrical connectors situated ateach end of the monorail mechanical connector. The symmetry of themonorail mechanical connector, which has electrical connectors of thesame type at each end in one or more embodiments, allows an electronicdevice accessory, configured as an electronic device attachment, to bereversibly connected to the monorail mechanical connector such that thefront side of the attachment faces in a first direction when theattachment is coupled to the monorail mechanical connector by slidingthe attachment along the monorail mechanical connector from a firstdirection, with that same front side facing a second direction when theattachment is coupled to the monorail mechanical connector by slidingthe attachment along the monorail mechanical connector from a seconddirection. Advantageously, if the front side of the attachment includesa loudspeaker, attaching the attachment to the electronic device in afirst configuration allows the loudspeaker to be on the front side ofthe assembly, while attaching the attachment to the electronic device ina second configuration causes the loudspeaker to be on the rear side ofthe electronic device.

In one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a devicehousing having a minor face coupled to a monorail by a bridge member. Inone or more embodiments, the monorail comprises a monorail body with afirst electrical connector positioned at a first end of the monorailbody and a second electrical connector positioned at a second end of themonorail body. In one or more embodiments, the first electricalconnector and the second electrical connector are of the same type. Forinstance, the first electrical connector and the second electricalconnector can be both be female universal serial bus type-C connectorsin one embodiment. In other embodiments, the first electrical connectorand the second electrical connector can be a mini-universal serial busconnector. Other examples of connector types will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, an electronic device attachment isconfigured as an electronic device accessory comprising an attachmenthousing. In one or more embodiments, the attachment housing defines amonorail receiver having an aperture at a first end of the monorailreceiver and a bounding wall at a second end of the monorail receiver.In one or more embodiments, a third electrical connector is positionedat or near the bounding wall. In one or more embodiments, the thirdelectrical connector is complementary to the first electrical connectorand the second electrical connector. Illustrating by example, if thefirst electrical connector and the second electrical connector arefemale universal serial bus type-C connectors, the third connector canbe a male universal serial bus type-C connector, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, one attaches the attachment to theelectronic device by inserting one of the first end or the second end ofthe monorail into the aperture of the monorail receiver. One then slidesthe attachment along the monorail until the third connector couples toand engages one of the first electrical connector or the secondelectrical connector. Since the first electrical connector and thesecond electrical connector are of the same type in one or moreembodiments, the attachment can be coupled to the electronic device intwo configurations: a first configuration where the front face of theelectronic device and the front face of the attachment face in the samedirection, and a second configuration where the front face of theelectronic device and the front face of the attachment face in oppositedirections.

Illustrating by example, one can couple the attachment to the electronicdevice in the first configuration by inserting the first end of themonorail into the aperture of the monorail receiver and sliding eitherthe attachment relative to the electronic device or the electronicdevice relative to the attachment such that the monorail inserts intothe monorail receiver until the first electrical connector engages andcouples to the third electrical connector.

By contrast, one can couple the attachment to the electronic device inthe second configuration by inserting the second end of the monorailinto the aperture of the monorail receiver and sliding either theattachment relative to the electronic device or the electronic devicerelative to the attachment such that the monorail inserts into themonorail receiver until the second electrical connector engages andcouples to the third electrical connector.

Advantageously, this reversibility allows for greater systemfunctionality. Illustrating by example, consider the situation where anattachment includes a display on the front major face and a camera onthe rear major face. Assuming the electronic device has a display on itsmajor face, one can couple the attachment to the electronic device inthe first configuration such that the display of the electronic deviceand the display of the attachment are arranged side-by-side. One or moreprocessors within the electronic device can then use this “second”display of the attachment in unison with the display of the electronicdevice to create a larger overall display presentation area.

By contrast, when the attachment is coupled to the electronic device inthe second configuration, the imager of the attachment is adjacent tothe display of the electronic device. This allows the person to take“selfies,” engage in video conferences, and perform other operationswith the imager that would not be possible with the imager permanentlysituated on the rear face of the combined device. Advantageously, simplyby “flipping” the accessory around, the person has the option of havingan enlarged display at some times and a front-facing camera at others.

Embodiments of the disclosure offer other advantages as well. In one ormore embodiments, when no attachment is coupled to an electronic device,the physical form factor of the system is reduced. This advantageouslyallows a user to separate the electronic device from the attachment andemploy only the electronic device as a “miniature” version. However, byreattaching the attachment, the person could use an expanded display,additional cameras or microphones, additional loudspeakers, and soforth. These features can be added or removed as desired simply byattaching or removing an attachment from the electronic device. Stillother advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be describedbelow. Still others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, illustrated therein is one explanatoryelectronic device 100 and one explanatory attachment 101 configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 1illustrates a front elevation view of the electronic device 100 andattachment 101, while FIG. 2 illustrates a left side elevation view ofthe same. FIG. 3 illustrates a right side elevation view of theelectronic device 100 and attachment 101, while FIG. 4 illustrates a topplan view thereof. In one or more embodiments, the attachment 101 can beselectively attached to, or detached from, the electronic device 100 oran electronic device module.

The electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 is shown as a portable electronicdevice. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 is capableof operating as a stand-alone electronic device when no attachment 101is coupled to the electronic device 100. However, in other embodiments,the electronic device 100 is selectively attachable and detachable fromone or more attachments, configured as device accessories, which providesecondary functionality such as delivery of acoustic output, visualoutput, or other output. Where attachable and detachable from theattachment 101, the combination of the electronic device 100 and theattachment 101 form a modular system.

The electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 is shown illustratively as asmartphone. For simplicity, this embodiment will be described as anillustrative example. However, the electronic device 100 can take otherforms as well, including as a palm top computer, a gaming device, alaptop computer, a multimedia player, and so forth. Still other examplesof electronic devices will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes a devicehousing 102. The device housing 102 can include one or more housingportions, such as a first housing portion and a second housing portion,e.g., a front housing portion coupled to a rear housing portion. In thisillustrative embodiment, the device housing 102 is disposed about theperiphery of a display 103, thereby defining a front major face 107 ofthe electronic device 100. The rear side of the electronic device 100defines a rear major face 207 of the electronic device 100. In one ormore embodiments, the front major face 107 of the electronic device 100is separated from the rear major face 207 of the electronic device 100by one or more minor faces 106,108,109,110 of the device housing 102.

In one or more embodiments, the attachment includes also an attachmenthousing 104.

The attachment housing 104 can include one or more housing portions,such as a first housing portion and a second housing portion, e.g., afront housing portion coupled to a rear housing portion. In thisillustrative embodiment, the attachment housing 104 is disposed aboutthe periphery of a loudspeaker 111. A loudspeaker 111 is one example ofan output device that the attachment housing 104 can support to provideadditional functionality for the electronic device 100 when theattachment 101 is coupled to the electronic device 100. However, as willbe described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10 below, theattachment 101 can support other output devices, input devices, energystorage devices, memory devices, or other components as well.

In this illustrative embodiment, the attachment housing 104 and theloudspeaker 111 define a front major face 112 of the attachment 101. Therear side of the attachment 101 defines a rear major face 212 of theattachment 101. In one or more embodiments, the front major face 112 ofthe attachment 101 is separated from the rear major face 212 of theattachment 101 by one or more minor faces 113,114,115,116 of theattachment housing 104.

In one or more embodiments, at least one combined mechanical andelectrical connector is coupled to the electronic device 100. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, only one such connector is showncoupled to the electronic device 100. However, embodiments of thedisclosure are not so limited. As will be shown below with reference toFIGS. 15-16, in some embodiments, two, three, or more connectors couldbe coupled to the electronic device 100.

In this illustrative embodiment, the combined mechanical and electricalconnector comprises a monorail 117 configured as a mechanical connector.The mechanical connector is referred to herein a “monorail” since itdefines a single rail or bar along which the attachment 101 slides whencoupling to the electronic device 100. In one or more embodiments, themonorail 117 comprises a monorail body 118 defining a first end 119 anda second end 120. In one or more embodiments, the monorail body 118separates the first end 119 and the second end 120 from each other alonga major axis 121 of the monorail body 118.

In one or more embodiments, the monorail 117 and the monorail body 118are symmetrical about a centerline 140 passing through the electronicdevice 100. This symmetry, as will be described in more detail belowwith reference to FIGS. 7-8, allows the attachment 101 to be reversiblycoupled to the monorail 117 such that the front major face 112 or therear major face 212 is oriented in the same direction as the display 103of the electronic device 100.

In one or more embodiments, a bridge member 122 mechanically couples themonorail 117 to a minor face, e.g., minor face 106 in this illustrativeexample, of the device housing 102. In one or more embodiments, thedevice housing 102, the bridge member 122, and the monorail 117 areconfigured from a common material as a single, unitary, integral part.For instance, the device housing 102, the bridge member 122, and themonorail 117 can be configured as a single, unitary thermoplastic partfrom an injection molding process in one embodiment. In anotherembodiment where the device housing 102 comprises a front housingportion and a rear portion, the front housing portion, a half bridgemember, and a half monorail body member can be formed as a single,unitary thermoplastic part, while the rear housing portion, another halfbridge member, and another half monorail body member can be formed as asecond, single, unitary thermoplastic part, which can be joined to thefront part, and so forth.

In another embodiment, the bridge member 122 and the monorail body 118are attached to the device housing 102. For instance, it may bedesirable to manufacture the bridge member 122 and/or monorail body 118from a first material, such as stainless steel or aluminum, while thedevice housing 102 is manufactured from a second, different material,such as glass or plastic. Accordingly, in such an embodiment the bridgemember 122 and/or monorail body 118 can be manufactured as a separatepart and later attached to the device housing 102, and so forth. Theseexamples are illustrative only, as numerous other materials andmanufacturing techniques for making unitary parts will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, a first electrical connector 123 ispositioned at the first end 119 of the monorail body 118, while a secondelectrical connector 124 is positioned at the second end 120 of themonorail body 118. To make the monorail 117 a reversible mechanical andelectrical connector, thereby allowing the attachment 101 to be attachedto the electronic device 100 in a first configuration where the frontmajor face 107 of the electronic device 100 and the front major face 112of the attachment 101 face in the same direction, or in a secondconfiguration where the front major face 107 of the electronic device100 and the front major face 112 of the attachment 101 face in oppositedirections, the first electrical connector 123 and the second electricalconnector 124 are of the same type. Said differently, to make themonorail 117 symmetrical, in one or more embodiments the firstelectrical connector 123 is the same type of connector as the secondelectrical connector 124.

Illustrating by example, in one or more embodiments the first electricalconnector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 each compriseuniversal serial bus connectors. In one or more embodiments, the firstelectrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 eachcomprise universal serial bus type-C connectors. In one or moreembodiments, the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124 each comprise female universal serial bustype-C connectors.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited, as the firstelectrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 caneach comprise other types of connectors as well. For instance, inanother embodiment the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124 each comprise a universal serial bus type-Aconnector. In another embodiment, the first electrical connector 123 andthe second electrical connector 124 each comprise universal serial bustype-B connectors. In still another embodiment, the first electricalconnector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 each comprisemicro-universal serial bus type-A connectors. In yet another embodiment,the first electrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector124 each comprise micro-universal serial bus type-B connectors. Inanother embodiment, the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124 each comprise universal serial bus mini-type-Bconnectors, which can be either four-pin connectors or five-pinconnectors. In still another embodiment, the first electrical connector123 and the second electrical connector 124 each comprise proprietaryconnectors, such as those used by Motorola Mobility.sup.™, e.g. V3 or V8connectors, or proprietary connectors of other device manufacturers. Thefirst electrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector 124can each comprise male connectors in one or more embodiments. The firstelectrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 caneach comprise female connectors in other embodiments. These examples ofconnectors suitable for use as the first electrical connector 123 andthe second electrical connector 124 are illustrative only, as numerousothers will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-3, in one or more embodiments the firstelectrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 areconcentrically aligned with the monorail body 118 about the major axis121 of the monorail body 118. Where the first electrical connector 123and the second electrical connector 124 are concentrically aligned withthe monorail body 118 about the major axis 121 of the monorail body 118,the first electrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector124 share a common center with the monorail body 118, which is the majoraxis 121. In this illustrative embodiment, the monorail body 118completely surrounds the smaller first electrical connector 123 andsecond electrical connector 124. However, in other embodiments, theopposite can be true, with the monorail body 118 having a diameter lessthan that of the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124, such that the perimeter of the firstelectrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 isgreater than another perimeter of the monorail body 118. Otherconfigurations for the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124 relative to one or both of the major axis 121of the monorail body 118 or the monorail body 118 itself will be obviousto those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, each of the first electrical connector 123and the second electrical connector 124 is configured to receive a firstcomplementary connector. Illustrating by example, if the firstelectrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 eachcomprise a female universal serial bus type-C connector, in one or moreembodiments the first electrical connector 123 and the second electricalconnector 124 are each configured to receive a male universal serial bustype-C connector. If the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124 each comprise female Motorola Mobility.sup.™V8-type connectors, in one or more embodiments the first electricalconnector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 are configured toreceive male Motorola Mobility.sup.™ V8-type connectors, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the first electrical connector 123 and thesecond electrical connector 124 are oriented such that each receives andcouples to a complementary connector when that complementary connectorapproaches from different directions along the major axis 121 of themonorail body 118. Where, for example, the first electrical connector123 and the second electrical connector 124 each comprise femaleuniversal serial bus type-C connectors, in one or more embodiments thefirst electrical connector 123 is open to receive male universal serialbus type-C connectors entering from a positive direction along the majoraxis 121 of the monorail body 118, while the second electrical connector124 is open to receive male universal serial bus type-C connectorsentering from a negative direction along the major axis 121 of themonorail body 118. As viewed in FIG. 1, the “positive” direction in thisexample would be down, while the “negative” direction would be oppositethe positive direction, i.e., up. Thus, in the illustrative embodimentof FIG. 1, the first electrical connector 123 is open up, while thesecond electrical connector 124 is open down. Thus, in one or moreembodiments the first electrical connector 123 is configured to receivea first complementary connector from a first direction 125 along themajor axis 121 of the monorail body 118, while the second electricalconnector 124 is configured to receive a second complementary connectorfrom a second direction 126 along the major axis 121 of the monorailbody 118, with wherein the first direction 125 is opposite the seconddirection 126 as shown in FIG. 1.

In one or more embodiments, the monorail body 118 has a monorail bodylength 127 along the major axis 121 of the monorail body 118 that isless than a minor face length 128 of the minor face 106 to which themonorail 117 is coupled. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, this makes themonorail body 118 shorter in length than minor face 106. As will bedescribed in more detail below, this allows for the accommodation of acomplementary connector situated within a monorail receiver of theattachment 101 and a bounding wall of the monorail receiver to notextend beyond other minor faces 108,109 of the device housing 102 whenthe attachment 101 is coupled to the electronic device 100.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one or more embodiments, the bridgemember 122 has a bridge member cross sectional area 139 that is lessthan a monorail cross sectional area 150 of the monorail body 118. Aswill be described in more detail below, this “larger cross sectionalarea” of the monorail cross sectional area 150 compared to the bridgemember cross sectional area 139 retains the attachment 101 to theelectronic device 100 when the monorail 117 is inserted into themonorail receiver of the attachment 101.

As best seen in FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments the bridge member 122has a bridge member length 129 that is less than the monorail bodylength 127. In one or more embodiments, the perimeter 130 of themonorail body 118 defines a first linear side 131 and a second linearside 132. In one or more embodiments, the perimeter 130 of the monorailbody 118 further defines a first partially circular side 133 and asecond partially circular side 124. In one or more embodiments, thefirst partially circular side 133 and the second partially circular side124 are positioned between the first linear side 131 and the secondlinear side 132. It should be noted that this is but one illustrativeshape the perimeter 130 of the monorail body 118 can take. Numerousothers will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure. For example, in another embodiment theperimeter 130 of the monorail body 118 is circular in shape. In anotherembodiment, the perimeter 130 of the monorail body 118 is ovular inshape. In another embodiment, the perimeter 130 of the monorail body 118is polygonal in shape. In another embodiment, the perimeter 130 of themonorail body 118 is curvilinear in shape, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, one or more user input devices 135,136,137are positioned along an exterior of the monorail body 118. In one ormore embodiments, the one or more user input devices 135,136,137 arepositioned along one of the first linear side 131 or the second linearside 132 of the perimeter 130 of the monorail body 118. In thisillustrative embodiment, the one or more user input devices 135,136,137are positioned on the first linear side 131 of the perimeter 130 of themonorail body 118.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more user input devices135,136,137 are electrically coupled to one or more processors(described below with reference to FIG. 5) situated within the devicehousing 102. A user can deliver input and control commands to the one ormore processors by interacting with the one or more user input devices135,136,137 in one or more embodiments. In this illustrative embodiment,the one or more user input devices 135,136,137 each comprise pushbuttons. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. Inother embodiments, the one or more user input devices 135,136,137 cancomprise touch-sensitive surfaces. In other embodiments, the one or moreuser input devices 135,136,137 can comprise any of rockers, sliders,capacitive sensors, microphones, or other user input devices. Moreover,the one or more user input devices 135,136,137 can all be the same, orcan be different. Illustrating by example, user input devices 135,136can be push buttons while user input device 137 is a capacitive touchsensor. Alternatively, user input device 135 can be a push button, whileuser input device 136 is a microphone and user input device 137 is atouch sensor. Other configurations for the one or more user inputdevices 135,136,137 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, an attachment retention device 138 ismechanically coupled to, or integrated with, the monorail body 118. Theattachment retention device 138 can function to retain the attachment101 in an attached configuration to the electronic device 100 in one ormore embodiments. The attachment retention device 138 can take variousforms. In one or more embodiments, the attachment retention device 138comprises a mechanical protrusion or latch extending from the perimeter130 of the monorail body 118. In another embodiment, the attachmentretention device 138 comprises a detent or recess extending into themonorail body 118. In still another embodiment, the attachment retentiondevice 138 comprises one or more of a magnetic coupling, snap,protective casing coupling, boot coupling, static attachment connector,vertical locator, horizontal locator, or other type of retention device.These examples of the attachment retention device 138 are illustrativeonly, as numerous other retention devices will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.Moreover as an alternate to the attachment retention device 138, theattachment 101 can be attached to the electronic device 100 using staticadhesion, mechanical suction, or in other ways. In still otherembodiments, no attachment retention device 138 will be included, asfrictional and other mechanical coupling between the first electricalconnector 123 or the second electrical connector 124 and thecomplementary connector of the attachment 101 will satisfactorily retainthe attachment 101 to the electronic device 100.

Turning attention now to the attachment 101, in one or more embodimentsthe attachment housing 104 defines a monorail receiver 141. In one ormore embodiments, the monorail receiver 141 defines an aperture 142 at afirst end along a first minor face 113. In one or more embodiments, themonorail receiver 141 defines a bounding wall 143 at a second end alonga second, opposite minor face 115 that is separated from first minorface 113 by an intervening minor face 116. A slot 144 extends along theintervening minor face 116 from the aperture 142 toward the boundingwall 143, but stops short of the bounding wall 143, thereby leaving aslot stop 145 positioned between the terminating edge of the slot 144and the bounding wall 143. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-4,the first end of the monorail receiver 141 is separated from the secondend by a major axis 146 of the monorail receiver 141.

In one or more embodiments, an electrical connector 147 is situatedwithin the monorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143. In one ormore embodiments, the electrical connector 147 abuts the bounding wall143. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 147 is situatedadjacent to the bounding wall 143. Other placements for the electricalconnector 147 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the electrical connector 147 is configuredto engage either the first electrical connector 123 of the monorail 117of the electronic device 100 or the second electrical connector 124 ofthe monorail 117 of the electronic device 100. Accordingly, in one ormore embodiments the electrical connector 147 is configured as themechanical complement to both the first electrical connector 123 of themonorail 117 of the electronic device 100 or the second electricalconnector 124 of the monorail 117 of the electronic device 100.

Illustrating by example, where the first electrical connector 123 andthe second electrical connector 124 each comprise universal serial busconnectors, the electrical connector 147 situated within the monorailreceiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 can also comprise a universalserial bus connector. Where the first electrical connector 123 and thesecond electrical connector 124 each comprise universal serial bustype-C connectors, electrical connector 147 situated within the monorailreceiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 can also comprise a universalserial bus type-C connector. Where the first electrical connector 123and the second electrical connector 124 each comprise female universalserial bus type-C connectors, the electrical connector 147 situatedwithin the monorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 can comprise amale universal serial bus type-C connector, and so forth.

Where the first electrical connector 123 and the second electricalconnector 124 each comprise a universal serial bus type-A connector,electrical connector 147 situated within the monorail receiver 141 atthe bounding wall 143 can comprise a complementary universal serial bustype-A connector. Where the first electrical connector 123 and thesecond electrical connector 124 each comprise universal serial bustype-B connectors, the electrical connector 147 situated within themonorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 can comprise acomplementary universal serial bus type-B connector. In still anotherembodiment, where the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124 each comprise micro-universal serial bus type-Aconnectors, so too can the electrical connector 147 situated within themonorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143, albeit a complementaryconnector, e.g., male where the first electrical connector 123 and thesecond electrical connector 124 are female connectors, and so forth.Where the first electrical connector 123 and the second electricalconnector 124 each comprise micro-universal serial bus type-Bconnectors, the electrical connector 147 situated within the monorailreceiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 can comprise a complementarymicro-universal serial bus type-B connector. Where the first electricalconnector 123 and the second electrical connector 124 each compriseuniversal serial bus mini-type-B connectors, which can be eitherfour-pin connectors or five-pin connectors, the electrical connector 147situated within the monorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 cancomprise a mechanically complementary universal serial bus mini-type-Bconnector with the same number of pins.

Where connectors other than the universal serial bus type connectors areused for the first electrical connector 123 and the second electricalconnector 124, electrical connector 147 situated within the monorailreceiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 can still be configured to as tomechanically and electrically couple to either the first electricalconnector 123 or the second electrical connector 124. For example, wherethe first electrical connector 123 and the second electrical connector124 each comprise proprietary connectors, such as those used by MotorolaMobility.sup.™, e.g. V3 or V8 connectors, or proprietary connectors ofother device manufacturers, the electrical connector 147 situated withinthe monorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 can comprise amechanically complementary connector of the same type.

Where the first electrical connector 123 and the second electricalconnector 124 can each comprise male connectors, the electricalconnector 147 situated within the monorail receiver 141 at the boundingwall 143 can comprise a female connector in one or more embodiments.Where the first electrical connector 123 and the second electricalconnector 124 can each comprise female connectors, the electricalconnector 147 situated within the monorail receiver 141 at the boundingwall 143 can comprise a male connector in other embodiments. Theseexamples of connectors suitable for use as the electrical connector 147situated within the monorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 areillustrative only, as numerous others will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

As will be described below with reference to FIG. 6, in one or moreembodiments one or more electrical components are situated within theattachment housing 104. The one or more electrical components canprovide attachment functionality. For instance, the attachment 101 ofFIGS. 1-4 includes a loudspeaker 111. Loudspeaker drivers, filtercircuits, energy storage devices, signal processors, and othercomponents can be included within the attachment housing 104 so thataudio output can be delivered by the loudspeaker 111. In one or moreembodiments, the electrical connector 147 situated within the monorailreceiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 is electrically coupled to theseone or more electrical components.

Recall from above that in one or more embodiments the monorail body 118has a monorail body length 127 along the major axis 121 of the monorailbody 118 that is less than a minor face length 128 of the minor face 106to which the monorail 117 is coupled. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4,this makes the monorail body 118 shorter in length than minor face 106.

This shorter length allows for the electrical connector 147 situatedwithin the monorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143 to couple withone of the first electrical connector 123 or the second electricalconnector 124, while still leaving enough room for the bounding wall 143such that the minor face 115 of the attachment 101 does not extendbeyond the minor face 109 of the electronic device 100 when theattachment 101 is coupled to the electronic device 100.

When the attachment 101 is coupled to the electronic device 100, in oneor more embodiments the monorail body 118 inserts into the monorailreceiver 141, with the bridge member 122 passing through the slot 144.The material of minor face 116 disposed to each side of the slot 144then “wraps” about the monorail body 118, thereby retaining theattachment 101 to the electronic device 100 when the monorail 117 isinserted into the monorail receiver 141 of the attachment 101.

As best seen in FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments the bridge member 122has a bridge member length 129 that is less than the monorail bodylength 127. This shorter length of the bridge member 122 allows the slotstop 145 to abut the bridge member 122 when the attachment 101 isattached to the electronic device 100 with the electrical connector 147of the monorail receiver 141 coupled to and engaged with either thefirst electrical connector 123 or the second electrical connector 124.

In one or more embodiments, the shape of the monorail receiver 141 canbe complementary to that of the monorail body 118. Illustrating byexample, in one or more embodiments the perimeter 130 of the monorailbody 118 defines a first linear side 131 and a second linear side 132.In one or more embodiments, the perimeter 130 of the monorail body 118further defines a first partially circular side 133 and a secondpartially circular side 124. In one or more embodiments, the firstpartially circular side 133 and the second partially circular side 124are positioned between the first linear side 131 and the second linearside 132.

Where this is the case, the monorail receiver 141 can define a planarwall 148 having a first edge 149 coupled to a first partiallycylindrical wall 151. The planar wall 148 can have a second edge 150coupled to a second partially cylindrical wall 152. In one or moreembodiments, the first partially cylindrical wall 151 and the secondpartially cylindrical wall 152 extend from the planar wall 148 to theslot 144, which in this illustrative embodiment is configured as arectangular aperture disposed along minor face 116 of the attachmenthousing 104 of the attachment 101.

It should be noted that this is but one illustrative shape the interiorsurfaces of the monorail receiver 141 can take. Numerous others will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure. For example, in another embodiment the shape the interiorsurfaces of the monorail receiver 141 can be circular. In anotherembodiment, the shape the interior surfaces of the monorail receiver 141are ovular. In another embodiment, the shape the interior surfaces ofthe monorail receiver 141 are polygonal. In another embodiment, theshape the interior surfaces of the monorail receiver 141 arecurvilinear, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, one or more user input devices 153,154,155are positioned along an exterior of the attachment housing 104. In oneor more embodiments, the one or more user input devices 153,154,155 arepositioned along a minor face 114 of the attachment housing 104.

When the monorail 117, which includes one or more user input devices135,136,137, is inserted into the monorail receiver 141, the one or moreuser input devices 135,136,137 will be covered by the attachment housing104. In one or more embodiments, the one or more user input devices153,154,155 of the attachment housing 104 are then electrically coupledto one or more processors (described below with reference to FIG. 5)situated within the device housing 102 by way of the electricalconnector 147 situated within the monorail receiver 141 engaging andcoupling either the first electrical connector 123 of the monorail 117or the second electrical connector 124 of the monorail 117.

This allows the one or more user input devices 153,154,155 to, in one ormore embodiments, perform the exact same functions as the one or moreuser input devices 135,136,137 of the monorail 117 when the attachment101 is coupled to the electronic device 100. A user can deliver inputand control commands to the one or more processors by interacting withthe one or more user input devices 153,154,155 in one or moreembodiments. If, for example, user input device 135 is a volume upbutton when the attachment 101 is detached from the electronic device100, user input device 153 can serve as the same volume up button whenthe attachment 101 is attached to the electronic device 100, and soforth.

As with the user input devices 135,136,137 of the monorail 117, the oneor more user input devices 153,154,155 of the attachment housing 104 caneach comprise push buttons. However, embodiments of the disclosure arenot so limited. In other embodiments, the one or more user input devices153,154,155 can comprise touch-sensitive surfaces. In other embodiments,the one or more user input devices 153,154,155 can comprise any ofrockers, sliders, capacitive sensors, microphones, or other user inputdevices. Moreover, the one or more user input devices 153,154,155 canall be the same, or can be different, as previously described above withreference to user input devices 135,136,137. Still other configurationsfor the one or more user input devices 153,154,155 will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, where an attachment retention device 138 ismechanically coupled to, or integrated with, the monorail body 118, acomplementary attachment retention device 158 is coupled to, orintegrated into, the monorail receiver 141. In one or more embodiments,the complementary attachment retention device 158 can couple to orengage the attachment retention device 138 to help retain the attachment101 in an attached configuration to the electronic device 100 in one ormore embodiments.

As with the attachment retention device 138, the complementaryattachment retention device 158 can take various forms. In one or moreembodiments, the complementary attachment retention device 158 comprisesa detent or recess mechanical extending into the inner surface of themonorail receiver 141. In another embodiment, the complementaryattachment retention device 158 comprises a protrusion or complementarylatch extending from the inner surface of the monorail receiver 141. Instill another embodiment, the complementary attachment retention device158 comprises one or more of a magnetic coupling, snap, protectivecasing coupling, boot coupling, static attachment connector, verticallocator, horizontal locator, or other type of retention device. Theseexamples of the complementary attachment retention device 158 areillustrative only, as numerous other retention devices will be obviousto those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 and the attachment101 can include complementary or common components. For example, theelectronic device 100 and attachment 101 may both include components forreceiving user input, such as loudspeakers, microphones, earpiecespeakers, and the like. When such components are included in theattachment 101 and the electronic device 100, a user can—forexample—deliver voice input to a microphone disposed in the electronicdevice 100 or the attachment 101. An electrical connection using theelectrical connector 147 situated in the monorail receiver 141 and oneof the first electrical connector 123 or the second electrical connector124 can deliver user input received by the attachment 101, for exampleat the user input devices 153,154,155, to the electronic device 100 inone or more embodiments.

The attachment 101 can be equipped with additional features as well.Illustrating by example, while the attachment 101 of FIGS. 1-4 includesa loudspeaker 111, in one or more embodiments the attachment 101 caninclude a camera or other device to enhance electronic device operation.The camera can be carried on the attachment housing 104 of theattachment 101 to provide an enhanced feature for the electronic device100 in one or more embodiments. This example of a camera illustratesonly one of many various options that can be included to provide variousfeatures and devices that can be incorporated into the attachment 101beyond just the loudspeaker 111. Others will be described below withreference to FIG. 10. Numerous other various combinations andpermutations of features to include within the attachment 101 beyond aloudspeaker 111 or camera will be obvious to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

It is to be understood that FIGS. 1-4 are provided for illustrativepurposes only and for illustrating components of one electronic device100 and attachment 101 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.These figures are not intended to be a complete schematic diagram of thevarious components required for an electronic device 100 or attachment101. Therefore, other electronic devices and attachments in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure may include various other componentsnot shown in FIGS. 1-4, or may include a combination of two or morecomponents or a division of a particular component into two or moreseparate components, and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is a block diagram schematic500 of the explanatory electronic device (100) described above withreference to FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the electronic device (100)includes one or more processors 501. The one or more processors 501 areoperable with the display 103 and other components of the electronicdevice (100). The one or more processors 501 can include amicroprocessor, a group of processing components, one or moreApplication Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable logic, orother type of processing device. The one or more processors 501 can beoperable with the various components of the electronic device (100). Theone or more processors 501 can be configured to process and executeexecutable software code to perform the various functions of theelectronic device (100).

A storage device, such as memory 502, can optionally store theexecutable software code used by the one or more processors 501 duringoperation. The memory 502 may include either or both static and dynamicmemory components, may be used for storing both embedded code and userdata. The software code can embody program instructions and methods tooperate the various functions of the electronic device (100), and alsoto execute software or firmware applications and modules. The one ormore processors 501 can execute this software or firmware, and/orinteract with modules, to provide device functionality.

As noted above, in one or more embodiments the electronic device (100)includes a display 103, which may optionally be touch-sensitive. In oneembodiment where the display 103 is touch-sensitive, the display 103 canserve as a primary user interface 503 of the electronic device (100).Users can deliver user input to the display 103 of such an embodiment bydelivering touch input from a finger, stylus, or other objects disposedproximately with the display. The user interface 503 can also includeone or more user input devices (135,136,137), as previously described.

In one embodiment, the display 103 is configured as an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display. However, it should be noted that othertypes of displays would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the display103 includes an electroluminescent layer or light-emitting diode (LED)backlighting layer disposed beneath the display 103 to project lightthrough the display 103. The display 103 can adaptively present text,graphics, images, user actuation targets, data, and controls along thedisplay surface.

In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic device (100) alsoincludes an optional communication circuit 504 that can be configuredfor wired or wireless communication with one or more other devices ornetworks. The networks can include a wide area network, a local areanetwork, and/or personal area network. Examples of wide area networksinclude GSM, CDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA-2000, iDEN, TDMA, 2.5 Generation 3GPPGSM networks, 3rd Generation 3GPP WCDMA networks, 3GPP Long TermEvolution (LTE) networks, and 3GPP2 CDMA communication networks, UMTSnetworks, E-UTRA networks, GPRS networks, iDEN networks, and othernetworks.

The communication circuit 504 may also utilize wireless technology forcommunication, such as, but are not limited to, peer-to-peer or ad hoccommunications such as HomeRF, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g or n);and other forms of wireless communication such as infrared technology.The communication circuit 504 can include wireless communicationcircuitry, one of a receiver, a transmitter, or transceiver, and one ormore antennas.

The one or more processors 501 can be responsible for performing theprimary functions of the electronic device (100). For example, in oneembodiment the one or more processors 501 comprise one or more circuitsoperable with one or more user interface devices, which can include thedisplay 103, to present presentation information to a user. Theexecutable software code used by the one or more processors 501 can beconfigured as one or more modules 505 that are operable with the one ormore processors 501. Such modules 505 can store instructions, controlalgorithms, and so forth. While these modules 505 are shown as softwarestored in the memory 502, they can be hardware components or firmwarecomponents integrated into the one or more processors 501 as well.

Other components 506 can be included with the electronic device 100. Theother components 506 can be operable with the one or more processors 501and can include input and output components associated with a userinterface 503, such as power inputs and outputs, audio inputs andoutputs, and/or mechanical inputs and outputs. The other components 506can include output components such as video, audio, and/or mechanicaloutputs. For example, the output components may include a video outputcomponent or auxiliary devices including a cathode ray tube, liquidcrystal display, plasma display, incandescent light, fluorescent light,front or rear projection display, and light emitting diode indicator.Other examples of output components include audio output components suchas a loudspeaker disposed behind a speaker port or other alarms and/orbuzzers and/or a mechanical output component such as vibrating ormotion-based mechanisms. Still other components will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, a connector interface 507 comprises one ormore electrical connectors that are electrically coupled to the one ormore processors 501. The connector interface 507 can include mechanicalconnectors, such as the monorail (117) described above. The electricalconnectors of the connector interface 507 that are electrically coupledto the one or more processors 501 include the first electrical connector(123) positioned at the first end (119) of the monorail body (118), thesecond electrical connector (124) positioned at the second end (120) ofthe monorail body (118), or other electrical connectors.

One or more inputs and outputs 508 can be operable with the one or moreprocessors 501 in one or more embodiments. The one or more inputs andoutputs 508 can be configured to receive input from, or deliver outputto, an environment about the electronic device (100). Illustrating byexample, the inputs and outputs 508 can include devices for determininginformation such as motion, bearing, location, acceleration,orientation, proximity to people and other objects, incident lightamounts, and so forth. The one or more inputs and outputs 508 caninclude various combinations of microphones, location detectors, motionsensors, physical parameter sensors, temperature sensors, barometers,proximity sensor components, proximity detector components, wellnesssensors, touch sensors, cameras, audio capture devices, and so forth.

The one or more inputs and outputs 508 can also include audio sensorsand video sensors (such as a camera). The one or more inputs and outputs508 can also include motion detectors, such as one or moreaccelerometers or gyroscopes. The motion detectors can detect movement,and direction of movement, of the electronic device (100) by a user. Theone or more inputs and outputs 508 can also be used to detect gestures.For example, the other one or more inputs and outputs 508 can includeone or more proximity sensors that detect the gesture of a user waving ahand above the display 103. It should be clear to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that additionalsensors can be included as well. Moreover, other types of inputs andoutputs 508 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure.

As noted above, in one or more embodiments the electronic device (100)is operational in a first configuration as a stand-alone electronicdevice. However, in other embodiments, the electronic device (100) isselectively attachable and detachable from an attachment (101). Wherethis is the case, an optional identification module 509 can beconfigured to determine whether an attachment (101) is coupled to theelectronic device (100). In one or more embodiments, the identificationmodule 509 can detect not only whether an attachment is coupled to theelectronic device (100), but the type of attachment as well.

For example, where the electrical connector (147) situated within themonorail receiver (141) at the bounding wall (143) engages either thefirst electrical connector (123) of the monorail (117) of the electronicdevice (100) or the second electrical connector (124) of the monorail(117) of the electronic device (100), the identification module 509 isoperable the with either the first electrical connector (123) of themonorail (117) of the electronic device (100) or the second electricalconnector (124) of the monorail (117) of the electronic device (100) todetermine what type of attachment (101) is coupled to the thirdelectrical connector (147). When the third electrical connector (147) iselectrically coupled to either the first electrical connector (123) ofthe monorail (117) of the electronic device (100) or the secondelectrical connector (124) of the monorail (117) of the electronicdevice (100), in one embodiment the identification module 509 canidentify the attachment (101) by exchanging electrical signals with thethird electrical connector (147) of the attachment (101). Other examplesof identification techniques will be obvious to those of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein are additional componentsthat may be included in attachments configured in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure. The components can be included invarious combinations, with some attachments including more components,while other attachments include fewer components, and so forth. Saiddifferently, FIG. 6 shows only one explanatory component group formingpart of an environment within which aspects of the present disclosuremay be implemented. It will be appreciated that additional oralternative components may be used in a given implementation dependingupon user preference, component availability, price point, and otherconsiderations. All or some of the components communicate with oneanother by way of one or more shared or dedicated internal communicationlinks, such as an internal bus.

In one or more embodiments, an attachment (101) can include, in additionto, or in place of, the one or more loudspeakers (111) described above,a control circuit 601, a memory 602, a communication interface 603, aconnector interface 604, an energy source 605 or storage device, inputsand outputs 606, one or more other components 607, and one or moreaccessory components 608.

The control circuit 601 may be any of a microprocessor, microcomputer,application-specific integrated circuit, or the like, and is operablewith the inputs and outputs 606, one or more other components 607, andone or more accessory components 608 of the attachment (101). The memory602 may reside on the same integrated circuit as the control circuit601, or alternatively may be a separate component. The memory 602 mayinclude a random access memory (i.e., Synchronous Dynamic Random AccessMemory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS DynamicRandom Access Memory (RDRM) or any other type of random access memorydevice). Additionally or alternatively, the memory 602 may include aread only memory (i.e., a hard drive, flash memory or any other desiredtype of memory device).

Information that is stored by the memory 602 can include program codeassociated with operating the inputs and outputs 606, one or more othercomponents 607, and one or more accessory components 608, receivinginformation to control the inputs and outputs 606, one or more othercomponents 607, and one or more accessory components 608, or to otherinformational data, e.g., program parameters, process data, etc. Theoperation of the control circuit 601 can be in accordance withexecutable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readablemedium (e.g., memory 602) to control basic functions of the attachment(101) and its inputs and outputs 606, one or more other components 607,and one or more accessory components 608.

In one or more embodiments, the control circuit 601 is programmed tointeract with the other components of the attachment (101) to performcertain functions. The control circuit 601 may include or implementvarious modules and execute programs for initiating differentactivities. The communication interface 603 can be used forcommunication with an electronic device (100) to which an attachment(101) including this component group is attached.

For example, where an electronic device includes a first electricalconnector (123) and a second electrical connector (124) disposed ateither end of a monorail body (118), the communication interface 603 canbe responsible for sending and receiving electrical signals betweenthese electrical connectors by way of the electrical connector (147)situated within the monorail receiver (141) at the bounding wall (143)of the attachment (101). These electrical signals can include signalsfrom the inputs and outputs 606, one or more other components 607, andone or more accessory components 608, and so forth. Other electricalsignals handled by the communication interface 603 will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the attachment (101) may include its ownenergy source 605, with which the control circuit 601, and/or othercomponents can be powered. The inclusion of a dedicated energy source605 prevents draining the energy source of the electronic device (100)to energize the various components of the attachment (101), therebyextending runtime of the electronic device (100) when the attachment(101) is coupled thereto. The energy source 605 can include a battery orfuel cell for providing power to various components of the attachment(101) and their corresponding components.

The accessory components 608 can take various forms. In the illustrativeembodiment of FIGS. 1-4 above, the accessory component 608 was aloudspeaker (111). However, embodiments of the disclosure are not solimited. Turning briefly now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein are variousother accessory components and configurations the attachment 101 maytake in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprisewireless communication circuitry 1001. This allows the attachment 101 toprovide increased or enhanced communication capabilities for theelectronic device (100) to which it is attached. For instance, if theelectronic device (100) is equipped with a communication circuit (504)configured for electrical communications in accordance with a firststandard, and a new, faster, and better standard is adopted, attachingan attachment 101 with wireless communication circuitry configured tocommunicate at the new standard provides increased communicationcapabilities for the electronic device (100).

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise aloudspeaker 111, as previously described. In one or more embodiments,the loudspeaker 111 can be an enhanced loudspeaker compared to that ofthe electronic device (100) to which the attachment (101) is attached.Illustrating by example, if the electronic device (100) includes a monoaural loudspeaker, the loudspeaker 111 of the attachment may be a stereospeaker, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise aprojector 1002. The projector 1002 can allow the electronic device (100)to project images on wall or other projection surface. Advantageously,coupling an attachment 101 having a projector 1002 as the accessorycomponent (608) allows a user to project and stream movies, photos, andshows in one or more embodiments.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise aprinter 1003. The printer 1003 can be used to print photographs,documents, and other items captured by the electronic device (100) towhich the attachment 101 is attached, or alternatively that are capturedby the attachment 101 itself.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise avirtual assistant 1004. The virtual assistant 1004 may include a voiceactivated set of processors and communication circuits that retrieveanswers to questions received by one or more microphones of theattachment 101. The virtual assistant 1004 may be able to stream musicor other information in response to voice requests from a user.Additionally, the virtual assistant 1004 may be able to managecalendars, to-do lists, and other applications as well.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise anauxiliary camera 1005. While many electronic devices to which theattachment 101 is attached will include a primary camera, the auxiliarycamera 1005 of the attachment 101 may include enhanced features. Forexample, while the primary camera of the electronic device (100) mayhave a limited field of view, the auxiliary camera 1005 may be a360-degree camera, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise agaming device 1006. The gaming device may include physical buttonsand/or other controls to simulate a traditional video game or arcadegame controller to provide a user with a more realistic gamingexperience compared to using a touch-screen or other user input deviceto control gaming operations. The gaming device 1006 may includejoysticks or other large mechanical controls that are not desirable tohave on an electronic device (100) to which the attachment 101 isattached. Advantageously, when a user desires to engage in seriousgaming, the user can attach the attachment 101 with the gaming device1006 to the electronic device (100), removing it thereafter when thegaming is done.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise acharger or power supply 1007, which can include an energy source 605 orstorage device as well. An attachment 101 so equipped can serve as apower pack for the electronic device (100) to which it is attached,thereby enabling the electronic device (100) to have an increased runtime compared with when the attachment 101 is detached from theelectronic device (100).

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise ashell or protector device 1008. The shell or protector device 1008 canbe configured as a folio that protects the electronic device (100) towhich the attachment 101 is coupled from every day scratches and bumps.In one or more embodiments, the shell or protector device 1008 includespockets to hold supplemental objects, such as money or credit cards.Where configured as a folio, the shell or protector device 1008 caninclude snaps or magnets to hold the folio closed when not in use. Theshell or protector device 1008 can come in different colors and can bemanufactured from different materials in one or more embodiments.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory components (608) comprise anadditional display 1009. The incorporation of an additional display 1009into the attachment 101 allows the usable display space of theelectronic device (100) to which the attachment 101 is attached to beextended to form a larger overall effective display.

It should be noted that the list of accessory components (608) set forthin FIG. 10 is illustrative only. Numerous others will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Moreover, it should be noted that the accessory components (608) of FIG.10 can be incorporated into the attachment 101 alone or in combination.Illustrating by example, in one or more embodiments the attachment 101includes an additional display 1009 on the front major face 112 and acamera 1005 on the rear major face (212). Since the attachment 101 canbe reversibly coupled to the monorail (117) of the electronic device(100), as illustrated and described in FIGS. 7-8 below, the systemcomprising the electronic device (100) and attachment 101 can beconfigured in different ways. One can couple the attachment 101 to theelectronic device (100) in the first configuration such that the display(103) of the electronic device (100) and the additional display 1009 ofthe attachment 101 are arranged side-by-side. The one or more processors(501) of the electronic device (100) can then use this “second” displayof the attachment 101 in unison with the display (103) of the electronicdevice (100) to create a larger overall display presentation area.

By contrast, when the attachment 101 is coupled to the electronic devicein the second configuration, the camera 1005 of the attachment 101 issituated adjacent to the display (103) of the electronic device (100).This allows the person to take “selfies,” engage in video conferences,and perform other operations with the camera 1005 that would not bepossible if the camera 1005 were permanently situated on the rear faceof the combined device. Advantageously, simply by “flipping” theaccessory around, the person has the option of having an enlargeddisplay at some times and a front-facing camera at others.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-8, this “reversibility” offered by embodiments ofthe disclosure is described in more detail. Beginning with FIG. 7 atstep 701 an electronic device 100 comprises a device housing 102 havinga minor face 106 coupled to a monorail 117 by a bridge member 122. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the monorail 117 comprises monorail body118 with a first electrical connector 123 positioned at a first end 119of the monorail body 118 and a second electrical connector 124positioned at a second end 120 of the monorail body 118. As previouslydescribed, in this embodiment the first electrical connector 123 and thesecond electrical connector 124 are of the same type, which in thisexample is that of a female universal serial bus type-C connector.

Step 701 also shows an attachment 101 comprising an attachment housing104 defining a monorail receiver 141 having an aperture 142 at a firstend of the monorail receiver 414 and a bounding wall 143 at a second endof the monorail receiver 141. A third electrical connector 147 issituated within the monorail receiver 141 at the bounding wall 143. Inone or more embodiments, the third electrical connector 147 iscomplementary to the first electrical connector 123 and the secondelectrical connector 124. In this illustrative embodiment, the thirdelectrical connector 147 comprises a male universal serial bus type-Cconnector.

Turning now to step 702, in one or more embodiments one attaches theattachment 101 to the electronic device 100 in a first configuration byinserting the first end 119 of the monorail 117 into the aperture 142 ofthe monorail receiver 141. One then slides the attachment 101 along themonorail 117 until the third electrical connector 147 couples to, andengages, the first electrical connector 123, as shown at step 703. Inthis first configuration, the front major face 107 of the electronicdevice 100 and the front major face 112 of the attachment 101 face inthe same direction. In this illustrative embodiment, the front majorface 112 of the attachment 101 includes a loudspeaker 111. Accordingly,the display 103 of the electronic device 100 and the loudspeaker 111face in the same direction, which is out of the page as viewed in FIG.7.

The attachment 101 can also be coupled to the electronic device 100 in asecond configuration where the front major face 107 of the electronicdevice 100 and the front major face 112 of the attachment 101 face inopposite directions. How this occurs is shown in FIG. 8.

Turning now to FIG. 8, and beginning at step 801, the attachment 101 hasbeen rotated 180 degrees such that the rear major face 212 of theattachment 101 faces out of the page, with the front major face (112) ofthe attachment 101 facing into the page. Accordingly, the front majorface 107 of the electronic device 100 and the front major face (112) ofthe attachment 101 face in opposite directions.

Turning now to step 802, in one or more embodiments one attaches theattachment 101 to the electronic device 100 in the second configurationby inserting the second end 120 of the monorail 117 into the aperture142 of the monorail receiver 141. One then slides the attachment 101along the monorail 117 in the opposite direction from that shown in FIG.7 at step 702 until the third electrical connector 147 couples to, andengages, the second electrical connector 124, as shown at step 803. Inthis second configuration, the front major face 107 of the electronicdevice 100 and the rear major face 212 of the attachment 101 face in thesame direction, which results in the front major face 107 of theelectronic device 100 and the front major face (112) of the attachment101 facing in opposite directions. In this illustrative embodiment, therear major face 212 of the attachment 101 includes a camera 1005, acontrol button 804, and a microphone 805. Accordingly, the display 103of the electronic device 100 and the camera 1005 face in the samedirection, which is out of the page as viewed in FIG. 8.

Turning now to FIG. 9, in one or more embodiments where the thirdelectrical connector 147 situated within the monorail receiver 141 iscoupled to one of the first electrical connector 123 or the secondelectrical connector 124, the other of the first electrical connector123 of the second electrical connector 124 remains exposed through the142. For example, as shown at step 901 the third electrical connector147 is coupled to one of the first electrical connector 123, therebyleaving the second electrical connector 124 exposed through the aperture142 of the monorail receiver 141. This advantageously allows for anotherdevice to be electrically coupled to the system by way of the secondelectrical connector 124.

Illustrating by example, as shown at step 902 an electrical connector903 from another electronic device, which may be a video device, anaudio device, a data storage device, an energy delivery device, anetwork connectivity device, or other device, is electrically coupled tothe second electrical connector 124. Alternatively, where a user desiresto cover the second electrical connector 124 rather than coupling thesecond electrical connector 124 to another device, an optional cap orcover 904 can be inserted into the second electrical connector 124 toprevent debris, moisture, or other objects from entering the secondelectrical connector. In one or more embodiments, the optional cap orcover 904 is tethered to the attachment housing 104 of the attachment101 so it will not be lost when not in use.

Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is another electronic device1100 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 1100includes a device housing 1101. In one or more embodiments, the devicehousing 1101 includes a minor face 1102 coupled to a monorail 1103 by abridge member 1104. In this illustrative embodiment, the monorail 1103comprises a monorail body 1105 having a first electrical connector 1106positioned at a first end 1107 of the monorail body 1105. In thisillustrative embodiment, a second electrical connector 1108 ispositioned at a second end 1109 of the monorail body 1105. In one ormore embodiments, the first electrical connector 1106 and the secondelectrical connector 1108 are the same type of connector.

Turning now to FIG. 12, illustrated therein is an electronic deviceattachment 1200 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the electronic deviceattachment 1200 comprises an attachment housing 1201. In one or moreembodiments, the attachment housing 1201 defines a monorail receiver1202 having an aperture 1203 positioned at a first end 1204 of themonorail receiver 1202. In one or more embodiments, the monorailreceiver 1202 includes a bounding wall 1205 positioned at a second end1206 of the monorail receiver 1202.

In one or more embodiments, a third electrical connector 1207 issituated within the monorail receiver 1202 at the bounding wall 1205. Inone or more embodiments, the third electrical connector 1207 iscomplementary to the first electrical connector (1106) and the secondelectrical connector (1108) described above with reference to FIG. 11.

Turning now to FIG. 13, the electronic device 1100 of FIG. 11 has beencoupled to the electronic device attachment 1200 of FIG. 12 in a firstconfiguration 1300 in accordance with the method described above withreference to FIG. 7. In this illustrative embodiment, the thirdelectrical connector (1207) of the electronic device attachment 1200 iscoupled to the first electrical connector (1106) of the electronicdevice 1100. In this illustrative embodiment, the attachment housing1201 comprises a display 1301 coupled to the front major face 1302 ofthe attachment housing 1201. Accordingly, in this first configuration1300, the front major face 1302 of the attachment housing 1201 and thefront major face 1303 of the device housing 1101 face the samedirection, which is to the left and out of the page as viewed in FIG.13.

Turning now to FIG. 14, in the first configuration 1300 the secondelectrical connector 1108 is exposed through the aperture 1203 at thefirst end 1204 of the monorail receiver 1202 in this first configuration1300. This allows additional devices to be coupled to the secondelectrical connector 1108. Alternatively, a cap or plug can be insertedinto the aperture 1203 to cover the second electrical connector 1108.

Turning now to FIG. 15, the electronic device 1100 of FIG. 11 has beencoupled to the electronic device attachment 1200 of FIG. 12 in a secondconfiguration 1500 in accordance with the method described above withreference to FIG. 8. Specifically, the electronic device attachment 1200has been rotated 180 degrees. In this illustrative embodiment, the thirdelectrical connector (1207) of the electronic device attachment 1200 iscoupled to the second electrical connector (1108) of the electronicdevice 1100.

In this illustrative embodiment, the attachment housing 1201 comprisesan imager 1501 coupled to the rear major face 1502 of the attachmenthousing 1201. Accordingly, in this second configuration 1500, the rearmajor face 1502 of the attachment housing 1201 and the front major face1303 of the device housing 1101 face the same direction, which is to theleft and out of the page as viewed in FIG. 15. While the aperture (1203)and second electrical connector (1108) are hidden in FIG. 15, the firstelectrical connector (1106) is exposed through the aperture (1203) atthe first end 1204 of the monorail receiver (1202) in this secondconfiguration 1500, just as the second electrical connector (1108) wasexposed through the aperture (1203) at the first end 1204 of themonorail receiver (1202) in FIG. 13 above.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forthin the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosurehave been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure isnot so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the following claims.

For example, the embodiments of FIGS. 1-14 included an electronic devicethat had a single monorail coupled to a single minor face. However,embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. As shown in FIG. 16,an electronic device 1600 can include a first minor face 1601 coupled toa first monorail 1602 by a bridge member, while a second minor face 1603can be coupled to a second monorail 1604. Each of the first monorail1602 and the second monorail 1604 can include a monorail body with afirst electrical connector positioned at a first end of the monorailbody and a second electrical connector positioned at a second end of themonorail body, as previously described. Moreover, each of the electricalconnectors can be of the same type.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16 the electronic device 1600 comprises ahousing member defining at least one major face and one or more minorfaces, which are shown as a first minor face 1601 and a second minorface 1603. As shown, a first monorail 1602 comprises a monorail bodydefining a first end and a second end separated from the first end alonga major axis of the monorail body. A bridge member mechanically couplesthe first monorail 1602 to the first minor face 1601 of the housingmember. A first electrical connector is positioned at the first end ofthe monorail body, while a second electrical connector is positioned atthe second end of the monorail body. In this illustrative embodiment,the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector areof the same type.

As also shown in FIG. 16, the electronic device 1600 includes anothermonorail, here the second monorail 1603. The second monorail 1603comprises another monorail body defining another first end and anothersecond end separated from the another first end by the second monorailbody. There is another bridge member mechanically coupling the secondmonorail 1603 to second minor face 1603 of the housing member. A thirdelectrical connector is positioned at the first end of the secondmonorail body, while a fourth electrical connector is positioned at thesecond end of the second monorail body. In this illustrative embodiment,the third electrical connector and the second fourth connector are ofthe same type.

As shown in FIG. 17, this configuration allows a first attachment 1701to be coupled to the first monorail 1602, while a second attachment 1702is coupled to the second monorail 1604. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18,an attachment 1801 can be equipped with a minor face 1802 coupled to amonorail 1803 by a bridge member. Accordingly, an electronic device 1800and two or more attachments 1801,1804 can be coupled in a daisy-chainconfiguration. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofpresent disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, andany element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution tooccur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a devicehousing defining at least one major face and one or more minor faces; amonorail mechanically coupled to a minor face of the device housing, themonorail comprising a monorail body defining a first end and a secondend separated from the first end along a major axis of the monorailbody; a first electrical connector positioned at the first end of themonorail body; and a second electrical connector positioned at thesecond end of the monorail body; wherein the first electrical connectorand the second electrical connector are of the same type.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, the first electrical connector and thesecond electrical connector being concentrically aligned with the majoraxis of the monorail body.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, thefirst electrical connector configured to receive a first complementaryconnector from a first direction along the major axis of the monorailbody, the second electrical connector configured to receive a secondcomplementary connector from a second direction along the major axis ofthe monorail body, wherein the first direction is opposite the seconddirection.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, the monorail body havinga monorail body length along the major axis of the monorail body that isless than another length of a minor face of the device housing to whichthe monorail is coupled.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4, furthercomprising a bridge member mechanically coupled between the monorail andthe device housing.
 6. The electronic device of claim 5, the bridgemember having a bridge member cross sectional area that is less than amonorail body cross sectional area of the monorail body and a bridgemember length that is less than the monorail body length.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the monorail bodydefines a first linear side and a second linear side.
 8. The electronicdevice of claim 7, the perimeter of the monorail body further defining afirst partially circular side and a second partially circular sidepositioned between the first linear side and the second linear side. 9.The electronic device of claim 7, the first electrical connector and thesecond electrical connector each defining female universal serial bustype type-C connectors.
 10. The electronic device of claim 7, furthercomprising one or more processors situated within the device housing,wherein the first electrical connector and the second electricalconnector are electrically coupled to the one or more processors. 11.The electronic device of claim 10, further comprising one or more userinput devices positioned along one of the first linear side or thesecond linear side of the perimeter of the monorail body, wherein theone or more user input devices are electrically coupled to the one ormore processors.
 12. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising an attachment retention device mechanically coupled to themonorail body.
 13. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:another monorail mechanically coupled to the device housing, the anothermonorail comprising another monorail body defining another first end andanother second end separated from the another first end by the anothermonorail body; a third electrical connector positioned at the anotherfirst end of the another monorail body; and a fourth electricalconnector positioned at the another second end of the another monorailbody; wherein the third electrical connector and the fourth electricalconnector are of the same type.
 14. An electronic device attachment,comprising: an attachment housing defining a monorail receiver having anaperture at a first end and a bounding wall at a second end, the secondend separated from the first end along a major axis of the monorailreceiver; an electrical connector situated within the monorail receiverat the bounding wall; and one or more electrical components situatedwithin the attachment housing, the electrical connector electricallycoupled to the one or more electrical components.
 15. The electronicdevice attachment of claim 14, the electrical connector comprising amale universal serial bus type-C connector.
 16. The electronic deviceattachment of claim 15, the monorail receiver defining a planar wallhaving a first edge coupled to a first partially cylindrical wall and asecond edge coupled to a second partially cylindrical wall, the firstpartially cylindrical wall and the second partially cylindrical wallextending from the planar wall to another aperture defined along a minorface of the attachment housing.
 17. A system comprising: an electronicdevice comprising a device housing having a minor face coupled to amonorail by a bridge member, the monorail comprising a monorail bodywith a first electrical connector positioned at a first end of themonorail body and a second electrical connector positioned at a secondend of the monorail body; and an electronic device attachment comprisingan attachment housing defining a monorail receiver having an aperture ata first end of the monorail receiver and a bounding wall at a second endof the monorail receiver, and a third electrical connector situatedwithin the monorail receiver at the bounding wall, wherein the thirdelectrical connector is complementary to the first electrical connectorand the second electrical connector.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinwhen the third electrical connector is coupled to the first electricalconnector, a first major face of the attachment housing and a firstmajor face of the device housing face the same direction, and the secondelectrical connector is exposed through the aperture at the first end ofthe monorail receiver.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein when thethird electrical connector is coupled to the second electricalconnector, the first major face of the attachment housing and the firstmajor face of the device housing face opposite directions, and the firstelectrical connector is exposed through the aperture at the first end ofthe monorail receiver.
 20. The system of claim 19, the attachmenthousing comprising a display coupled to the first major face of theattachment housing and an imager coupled to a second major face of theattachment housing.